The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has criticised the northern wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for defending the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, over allegations linking him to reports portraying Nigeria negatively and promoting what it described as a false Christian genocide narrative.
In a statement issued on Saturday, January 31, 2026, and signed by its Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, MURIC accused Northern CAN of deliberately avoiding the main issues surrounding the controversy while focusing on emotional and sentimental arguments.
According to the group, CAN leaders, including Chairman Reverend Joseph John Hayab and Secretary General Bishop Mohammed Naga, failed to clarify whether Amupitan authored an alleged 80-page legal brief containing claims against Northern Muslims. Instead, MURIC said CAN accused the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria of politicising religion.
MURIC argued that responsible organisations should confront allegations directly rather than divert public attention. It described CAN’s response as “escapist” and “cowardly,” insisting that the fundamental question remains whether Amupitan was responsible for the controversial document.
The organisation further alleged that Northern CAN was attempting to shield Amupitan from accountability, warned that such actions could erode public confidence in INEC and weaken democratic institutions.
While stressing that it was not calling for Amupitan’s prosecution, MURIC said Nigerian Muslims had lost trust in his ability to conduct credible elections. The group urged the Federal Government to consider appointing another qualified candidate from the same region if necessary.
“A person who allegedly authored such a document against Muslims should not be allowed to determine their political fate,” the statement said, adding that ignoring Muslim groups’ concerns could amount to injustice and provocation.
MURIC noted that several Islamic organisations, including the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria, and the Muslim Media Watch Group, had also demanded Amupitan’s removal.
The group dismissed claims that it was hiding behind religious platforms, insisted that its leadership and members were openly exercising their constitutional right to freedom of expression.
It also accused CAN of previously submitting reports to foreign bodies that allegedly portrayed Nigeria negatively, saying such actions had damaged the country’s international reputation.
In its concluding remarks, MURIC urged Northern CAN to reflect on moral and religious teachings about loyalty and national responsibility, warned against defending actions that could undermine unity and peace.
